Ascendant Sun: Volume 5 - Paperback

by Catherine Asaro (Author)

In this "fast-paced and pleasing entry in the Saga of the Skolian Empire," an advanced race enslaves the heir apparent to a rival kingdom (Publishers Weekly).

Kelric, the long-lost son of the Imperial Skolian family, has finally escaped his gilded cage. Having lived at the mercy of a secret colony for nearly two decades, Kelric returns to the Skolian universe, injured and alone--only to discover the rest of his family is either dead or being held hostage. It leaves Kelric as the only heir to rule the empire, a secret he guards with his life.

Knowing survival depends on blending in--as much as a bio-enhanced warrior can--he takes work on a merchant vessel. But when the ship is captured by the Aristos, a superior race intent on conquering his people, Kelric becomes a pleasure slave for a powerful queen among his enemies. He must find a way to escape and take his rightful throne before it is too late--for his own sake, the sake of those he loves, and the sake the empire he is destined to rule. . . .

Praise for the Skolian Empire series
"Asaro's Skolian saga is now nearly as long and in many ways as compelling as Dune, if not more so, featuring a multitude of stronger female characters." --Booklist

"Asaro reveals fascinating new aspects of her talent with each new book, and readers can always expect something fresh, different, and absolutely wonderful." --Romantic Times

"The ending of Ascendant Sun is dramatic and touching. Most readers, including myself, will be eager to know what happens next." --Fantasy Literature

Author Biography

Catherine Asaro is the author of thirty books, ranging from thrillers to science fiction and fantasy. Her novel The Quantum Rose and novella The Spacetime Pool both won the Nebula Award, and she has been nominated for multiple Hugo Awards. Asaro holds a doctorate in chemical physics from Harvard; her research specializes in applying the mathematical methods of physics to problems in quantum physics and chemistry. Asaro has appeared as a speaker and guest of honor at scientific institutions and science fiction conventions across the United States and abroad.